This is not a blonde joke, in fact, I’m a blonde myself. I’m also accomplished and smart, but the blonde analogy does make it easier for some people to grasp my meaning when I discuss living with a clear mind. This is how I describe my ideal state and why it’s easier for me to connect with the “other side”:
“My mind of totally clear most of the time. It’s not a blonde thing, I actually have nothing going on upstairs in terms of extraneous thought.” I continue, “When a person lives totally in the present – with a completely blank mind, it’s then possible to hear the whispers.”
What I mean by hearing the whispers is that a person can be in touch with guidance that comes to me and our awareness becomes more acute: colors become brighter, my focus intensifies and I’m able to appreciate all the nuances of life without the mental distractions. I’m not burdened by projecting my thoughts into the future or constantly worry and over-thinking everything. I don’t know how a person can possibly appreciate what’s right in front of them when their mind is always somewhere else. This state also facilitates an easier also makes it easier for me to receive guidance from the connection to those on the “other side”.
Before I share the extensive list of amazing benefits living with a clear mind can deliver, let me provide three of examples of how to meditate. 1) First, you could hyper-focus on a particular object so your mind stays riveted on just that object with no other conscious thought. That’s what is suggested on Google, but what do they know? Ha This method is unpractical for the long term if you are trying to apply that state to your way of life. So, instead of focusing on an external object, let me suggest focusing on the center of your body (solar plexus region), directing one’s conscious inward. That allows you to stay mobile since this can easily be done in meetings, while driving or simply living your life. 2) Another method is chanting a single mantra over and over to achieve a clear state – of course if you do that, you hear the sound of your voice, which eliminates other thoughts but not the repetition of that chant. Although this method produces focus but I’m not sure that anyone could hold the blank mind once the chanting stops. 3) Finally, you could - when thoughts float into your mind – gently push those thoughts away to reach clarity. The key is not to focus on the thought since focusing or thinking about what is in your head, holds that thought in place and often expands it. You’ve heard the saying: what you focus on expands. The true goal is to totally ignore the thought that floated into your mind and if you do so, it will just float right back out. Simply, don’t pay attention to the thoughts. Eventually those thoughts will tire of coming and just stay away. Again, this is a method that’s very mobile since anyone can push away thoughts, anywhere.
I didn’t become good at this overnight. In fact, this practice began when I was simply attempting to mitigate the excruciating pain from RA in the early 1980’s. I learned that keeping my mind clear the pain quieted. So, I continued the process. Soon, I became very good at ignoring those thoughts and eventually reaching total clarity, which became a new way of life.
Back to the benefits of blonde or practical meditation, of which there are many: 1) First, clarity eliminates stress since your mind becomes free from worry. You can’t worry if there’s nothing going on in your consciousness. 2) We’re you’ll become more of an observer of life and be more removed from the emotional drama that surrounds many of us. Buying into that drama is counterproductive to living in peace. 3) Being removed from the emotionality of day-to-day living not only alleviates stress and emotional angst, but helps us lead a healthier life. Any life with minimal stress is healthier. 4) Clarity also allows us to make decisions more efficiently; in other words, our judgement becomes more precise. 5) A clear mind also allows for continual guidance. I am guided daily by the Holy Spirit. Divine guidance comes in many forms, which will be a great blog for another time. 6) I also live with total peace. 7) Finally, with an open heart during the process, it’s possible to be a vessel for God’s love, which means allowing love to flow through us onto others – without judgment and without question.
Buddhist and Hindu monks strive for perfect meditation to reach what they call enlightenment or a connection to the Divine. Some strive for that stillness to elevate their frequency and facilitate levitation, moving objects with one’s mind, experiencing astral travel or having out-of-body experiences. What I do is surrounded by much less mystery since I’m perfectly content simply with connecting to the Divine, receiving guidance and being a vessel for God’s love whereby my frequency also increases. So, both realize a Divine connection – with a slightly different intent.
If you’re curious, this is how I begin each day. Upon waking all sorts of thoughts flow through one’s mind; they do mine. If you focus on them, they’ll stick. If you just let them float through, they’ll eventually disappear. I let them disappear. But, when something really inspiring pops into my mind - and it’s always first thing in the morning, I hold on to that thought long enough to grab a pen and paper to write it down. Then, my mind is once again clear. When I finally jump out of bed, most often 30-45 minutes later, I’m clear eyed and clear minded and ready for my morning ritual.
Next, I go to the favorite chair in my bedroom and read a passage from an inspirational book – not one I have to think about or figure out – but one that comforts me and brings me closer to God. There are a few such books: Jesus Calling, which is read by millions and millions of readers, God Calling: a devotional classic – compiled decades ago by another author and Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy,among others. They are all warm and loving and help us begin our day with love-based emotions.
Then, I talk to God, out loud – mostly in gratitude for all the many blessings in my life including poverty, illness and even bad relationships since they all provide gifts. In other words, I’m grateful for life – every bit of it.
Throughout my morning ritual, I’m not thinking at all – I am just “doing” and that habit stays with me throughout the day.
Being clear, being able to focus on others and enjoying the present moment all come with learning to keep your mind completely blank. It’s a blonde thing.